Sustainability highlights of 2020

These are the sustainability highlights from 2020:

The surprising effects of the coronavirus: Images of cities that now breathe pollution-free

Since the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 evolved into a global pandemic, every day brings painful news about the consequences to health and the economy in the majority of countries across the planet. 

However, in the midst of so many difficulties, images emerged showing perhaps the one breath of (literal) fresh air in the crisis: air quality in most of the world's most polluted cities reached levels that would have been unimaginable just a few months ago.

What can we learn from the coronavirus outbreak that could help us fight climate change?

The improvement in air quality resulting from the spring lockdown imposed in many countries around the world is not the only link between coronavirus and climate change. 

Addressing a problem of these proportions at the national level and coordinating it on a global scale is one of the most difficult challenges that a government could face. The way the world has reacted to tackle the coronavirus could be an exemplary lesson in how to undertake the fight against climate change.

The Green Recovery is the way out of the economic and climate crisis

The problems of both crises overlap, but so do the solutions. In response to the pandemic, institutions and companies have begun working on a shared roadmap that, by means of a Green Recovery, can combat both the devastating effects of climate change and the impact of the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus.

Renewable energies will power the post-COVID-19 world

One of the key elements of this Green Recovery will undoubtedly be the use of renewable energies.

What are Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)? Clean energy from one company to another

And one of the ways to ensure that companies and organisations use clean energy is through PPAs, one of the topics we covered this year on our website. These are contracts for the purchase of renewable energy between producers and corporate consumers.

A plan for carbon neutrality by 2050

We know what the goal is, but how do we achieve carbon neutrality? There are several different ways, including reducing energy consumption, improving energy efficiency and transitioning to a renewable energy consumption model with financial mechanisms that change our production and consumption habits.

Is it possible to capture CO₂ from the atmosphere?

And speaking of achieving carbon neutrality, do you remember this video where we showed you some methods—both natural and artificial—that could be key in reducing the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere? Some are as simple as planting more trees, while others are complex and involve using technology to filter CO₂ from the air. 

The European Taxonomy, a crucial tool for decarbonising the economy

If we are to be emissions-neutral, decarbonisation of the economy will be vital. The European Taxonomy of Sustainable Finance is a new classification of economic activities that enables investors to know objectively whether an activity contributes significantly to Europe's sustainability goals. 

Sustainable development in healthy seas and oceans

In this review of 2020, we mustn't forget about our oceans, which make Earth habitable for humankind. Our rainwater, drinking water, weather, climate, coastlines, much of our food, and even the oxygen in the air we breathe, are all ultimately provided and regulated by the sea.

Climate inequality:How can we create a more equitable planet?

In August 2020, our demand for natural resources exceeded what the planet has the capacity to regenerate in a year. However, they are neither produced nor consumed equally around the world. There is also an inequality in terms of who contributes most to climate change and who is most affected by it.

Innovation at the service of sustainability

What would become of the planet if we couldn't innovate to try to be more sustainable? We want to finish this year's review with the hope that another, better world is possible. One where society progresses based on three pillars: environmental protection, social development and economic growth. 

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